Within the Soft Matter, Fluidics, and Interfaces (SFI) group and closely working with the Physics of Fluids (PoF) group, we have a vacancy for a PhD student. The topic of this PhD position is rooted within fundamentals of mass transport, emphasizing chemical engineering and fluid physics aspects.
Hydrogen is a recognized crucial component, required for many industrial processes such as fertilizer production. However, the main production route still relies on fossil sources. The sustainable electrochemical production of hydrogen, i.e. green hydrogen, needs to economically compete with the conventional production methods. To this end, you will explore the optimization of hydrogen production through alkaline electrolysis in a larger consortium of PhDs and post-docs. This specific PhD position is focused on the experimental investigation of bubble formation in strongly confined geometries, using microscopic observations. The role of concentration and temperature distribution during electrolysis will be explored in detail, and experimental information generated in this project will act as inputs/guides to other research lines within this consortium.
Within this project, the PhD will work closely together in a consortium of partners from the University of Twente, the Technical University of Eindhoven, the Technical University of Dresden, and the Helmholtz Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, as well as industrial partners, VDL, SPG Prints, Vitesco, and industry De Nora. This consortium provides a great network to excellent academic groups and industrial innovators and will provide a dynamic and stimulating environment for your development as a research scientist.
As part of the PhD program, you would have the opportunity to receive further education within the Twente Graduate School and within various graduate education programmes in the NL, such as the J.M. Burgerscentrum for Fluid Mechanics. Furthermore, you may actively contribute to the teaching program, e.g. by supervising BSc and MSc assignments or by acting as a teaching assistant in courses taught by department staff.
Information and application
Are you interested in this position? Please send your application via the 'Apply now' button below before 15-07-2024, and include:
- A cover letter (maximum 2 pages A4), emphasizing your specific interest, qualifications, motivations to apply for this position.
- A Curriculum Vitae, including a list of all courses attended and grades obtained, and, if applicable, a list of publications and references.
- An IELTS-test, Internet TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT), or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE). Applicants with a non-Dutch qualification and who have not had secondary and tertiary education in English can only be admitted with an IELTS-test showing a total band score of at least 6.5, internet. TOEFL test (TOEFL-iBT) showing a score of at least 90, or a Cambridge CAE-C (CPE).
About the department
The Soft Matter, Fluidics, and Interfaces (SFI)group is part of the Department of Membrane Science and Technology (MST), often referred to as Twente Membranes. Research in SFI focuses on transport and interfacial phenomena in processes such as catalysis, materials synthesis and separation technology. MST consists of several research chairs focused on the development of new membrane materials and modules, membrane characterization, transport phenomena near and through membrane surfaces and the development of membrane processes and applications. MST has a history in membranes stretching back more than 50 years, and is internationally recognized as a leading department in membrane science and technology. The department boasts an impressive track record of over 250 PhD graduates, over 1000 peer reviewed scientific publications and over 40 granted patents, as well as numerous spin-off companies.
About the organisation
The Faculty of Science & Technology (Technische Natuurwetenschappen, TNW) engages some 700 staff members and 2000 students in education and research on the cutting edge of chemical technology, applied physics and biomedical technology. Our fields of application include sustainable energy, process technology and materials science, nanotechnology and technical medicine. As part of a people-first tech university that aims to shape society, individuals and connections, our faculty works together intensively with industrial partners and researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, and conducts extensive research for external commissioning parties and funders. Our research has a high profile both in the Netherlands and internationally and is strengthened by the many young researchers working on innovative projects with as doctoral candidates and post-docs. It has been accommodated in three multidisciplinary UT research institutes: Mesa+ Institute, TechMed Centre and Digital Society Institute.
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